Four teenagers injured after getting into difficulty in water in two separate incidents in Howth
They received reports of three children cut off by the tide near Lion's Head, which is a popular swimming spot on the south side of the Howth peninsula, close to the Bailey Lighthouse.
Shortly before 4.30pm, the inshore lifeboat was launched by the RNLI, with three crew on board, assisted by the Howth Coast Guard Unit and Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116, who quickly made their way to the scene amid moderate sea conditions.
Two teenagers, who were stranded on the cliff, were located by the Howth Coast Guard cliff team.
As the team tried to recover one of the injured teenagers, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Dublin, which coordinated the rescue, asked the lifeboat crew to remain on standby.
While on scene, the lifeboat was diverted to a separate emergency nearby where a teenager had fallen from cliffs at White Water Brook, a remote beach below cliffs on the eastern side of the peninsula.
The lifeboat crew were directed by beachgoers to a teenager, who had fallen approximately six metres onto rocks at the water's edge, sustaining multiple lacerations and suspected fractures.
A second teenager had swum to assist him and was holding him steady on a rock when the lifeboat arrived at the scene.
The lifeboat crew made their way across rocks to assess the injured teen, assisted by the Howth Coast Guard and Howth All-Weather lifeboat.
However, due to the swiftly rising tide, the injured teen needed to be immediately evacuated by a helicopter.
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The Rescue 116 deployed its winchman, who assessed the teen's injuries and secured him in a rescue harness, winching them both to safety.
The second teenager was showing the signs of hypothermia and was assisted across the rocks and brought aboard the inshore lifeboat.
He was later transferred to the lifeboat and taken to Howth Lifeboat Station, where he was handed into the care of an ambulance crew and transported to the hospital.
Helm of the inshore lifeboat, Killian O'Reilly, said: 'This was a challenging afternoon with two serious incidents in quick succession, both in difficult, rocky locations.'
"On a sunny summer's day, it's easy to underestimate the risks around the coastline – but the sea and cliffs can be unforgiving.
"The teamwork shown between the RNLI, Coast Guard units, and Rescue 116 was exceptional and ensured the best possible outcome in tough circumstances,' he added.
He urged the public to be aware of the dangers and know what to do where they might find themselves in difficulty in the water, especially during this spell of hot weather.
'Air temperatures may feel warm, but water temperatures are cold enough year-round to trigger cold-water shock. If you get into difficulty, remember float to live: tilt your head back, with your ears submerged. Relax and try to breathe normally.
"Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat. Once you've regained control of your breathing, you can call for help or swim to safety,' he added.
The members of the public are advised to call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard if they or someone else gets into difficulty near the coast.
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